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Dau

Small · Fey · CR 4 · Chaotic Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts

49 (9d6+18)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Fey

Alignment Chaotic Neutral

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Hover Yes

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 15

Skills

Deception +5 Insight +5 Perception +5 Stealth +5

Languages

Deep Speech, Primordial, Sylvan, telepathy 60.0 ft (18.3 m).

Environments

Desert

Traits

Innate Spellcasting

the dau's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

at will: detect thoughts

3/day each: invisibility, mirror image

1/day each: mirage arcana, programmed illusion, project image

Magic Resistance

The dau has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

Multiattack

The dau makes two slam attacks.

Slam

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 10 (3d6) necrotic damage, and the dau regains hit points equal to the necrotic damage dealt. The target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. This reduction lasts until the creature finishes a long rest.

Tangible Illusion

1/day

After casting an illusion spell of an object, the dau temporarily transforms that illusion into a physical, nonmagical object. The temporary object lasts 10 minutes, after which it reverts to being an illusion (or vanishes, if the duration of the original illusion expires). During that time, the illusion has all the physical properties of the object it represents, but not magical properties. The dau must touch the illusion to trigger this transformation, and the object can be no larger than 5 cubic feet.

Reactions

Mirror Dodge

1/day

When the dau would be hit by an attack or affected by a spell, the dau replaces itself with an illusory duplicate and teleports to any unoccupied space within 30 feet in sight. The dau isn't affected and the illusory duplicate is destroyed.

About Dau

Dau is a small fey with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a chaotic neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 49 hit points (derived from 9d6+18).

Dau has communication capabilities including Deep Speech, Primordial, Sylvan, telepathy 60 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Dau

2 tips available

When using Dau in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Dau

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 4.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Dau?: Dau has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Dau?: Dau is a Small Fey, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Dau speak?: Dau can communicate in Deep Speech, Primordial, Sylvan, telepathy 60 ft..